Wheeling Gull Isle Revenge of the orchestra.

Suddenly Dinah’s forelegs were wrapping around her again. Towhee welcomed the embrace and patted one slender red shoulder. When the girl’s face tipped toward her, she was grateful to be able to read her lips easily: “Thank you, grandma, I’m glad you’re here.”

Same, she replied with a wry chuckle, wondering just jow much her words might impact Dinah going forward. Good talk, huh? she added with another dry laugh.

After letting the moment linger for, well, a moment, Towhee said, Unfortunately, I have, like, four zillion other grandkids on the island I’d also like to see. So step aside, Tina, she joshed, pretending like she was about to push the girl away but scooping her all the more tightly to her side. I’m jokes, kiddo. Will you come with me to find the others?

Fade here?